Summary

Description

The Mentasta caribou herd is located in southeast mainland Alaska and Western Yukonn Territory. This small herd has declined from a high Of approximately 3,100 animals in 1985 to less than 900 in 1994. During winter the Mentasta he rd oft en intermingles with the larger Nelchina caribou herd which currently number s about 45,000 animals and has ranged f r om 5,000 t o 70,000 animals. In winter this comb i ned herd may cross s t ate, native, private, and federal conservation unit boUndaries, as well as the international boundary with Canada. This plan is a cooperative effor t by The Alaska Department of Fish and Came ADFC, The U. S. National Par k Service NPS , and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS to adopt management guidelines that reflect t he varied feder al a nd state policies and laws concerning management of the Mentasta caribou herd.